MISSION

The Virginia Avenue Project is a free, afterschool program that uses the performing arts in conjunction with long-term, one-on-one mentoring to help kids discover their full potential.

Through a sequence of writing and performing programs, Project kids develop life skills and give voice to their creativity.

Check out a Project quicktime movie, One-On-One Program 7mb Get Quicktime

HISTORY & GOALS

The Project was founded in 1992 with support from The Nathan Cummings Foundation, The Threshold Foundation, The Ann M. Martin Foundation, and The Educational Foundation of America. Our community partner is the Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL) - where we offer year-long classes, workshops, and academic enrichment and tutoring. The Project provides programs that give kids the experience of success and the self-confidence it inspires. 

In the words of a recent Project graduate:
"Now more than ever I urge all Project kids to empower their own communities as the Project has empowered us. The artists and teachers at the Project believed in me and gave me confidence - I know now that anything is possible if we believe in it!"

To echo these words, we think that all kids should believe that anything is possible. Our programs address the following objectives:

- To use the writing and performing arts to provide kids with tools
  for self-expression and increased academic performance.

- To provide a supportive environment for kids to express a personal vision
  and experience validation from their peers.

- To provide kids the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with caring,
  nurturing adults.